Evaluation of insulin therapy education in diabetic patients accompanied in a specialty center

Introduction: Insulin therapy for glycemic control, in addition to its indication for DM1, is increasingly being detected as a treatment option for DM2. This work aims to identify flaws in the process of automatic insulin application aiming to assist in learning and reducing consequences for erroneous practice, improving the quality of life of patients. Materials and methods: 75 patients were recruited from the Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic of Centro Universitário do Estado do Pará who had been on insulin therapy for at least 6 months and used the Adapted Injection Techniques Questionnaire and a supplementary questionnaire designed for research. Results: Among the most used places for injection by patients: abdomen (94.7%), thighs (69.3%), arms (48%) and buttocks (13.3%). 86.7% rotated the application site and 13.3% did not. 47.7% performed insulin aspiration in the wrong way. 76.9% used a 90º angle for application to the skin. Only 16 of the patients mix NPH and regular insulin. Conclusion: Patients adherence to insulin self-care is associated with lack of motivation, no acceptance of the disease, pain on application, physical and cognitive limitations, which leads to several complications.